The Development Through Media (DTM) media team was recently at the County Based Economic Forum (CBEF) organised by International Budget Partnership (IBP). The meeting was held at a venue along Rhapta road in Westlands on 24 November 2015 as part of IBPs CSO capacity building innovation, knowledge gathering, sharing and building networks.
 

Jason Lakin, Ph.D. Country Manager Kenya at International Budget Partnership addressing the meeting

IBP aimed to use the meeting to collect views and suggestions from the participants so as to develop strategies for informing the public on the budget process, which is key in the financial and economic management of counties. IBP aims to disseminate the information gathered as a way of assisting counties to analyse and identify priorities as they budget for programmes, improve coordination between citizens and government and improve harmonisation of project implementation and funding.
 

Mr. Kiprono Kittony Founder Chairman of Radio Africa Ltd and the National Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) addressing the meeting

IBP collaborates with civil society around the world to use budget analysis and advocacy as a tool to improve effective governance and reduce poverty. In Kenya, it has worked on a wide range of budget issues. Their thematic areas include public understanding of and engagement with budgets as well as budget transparency. Their strategies consist of research, technical assistance, training, and advocacy.
The aim of the meeting was to launch results of a study conducted in four counties, namely Kisumu, Taita Taveta, Kericho and Kwale. CBEF members from these four counties and other counties like Homa -Bay, Nakuru, West Pokot, Bungoma, Busia, Nairobi and Kitui were present.
 

Mrs. Jacqueline Mogeni, acting CEO of Council of Governors.

The meeting also discussed the evolution of CBEF since 2013, emerging good practices in a number of CBEFs around the country, and challenges and successes in wider participation in the budget-making processes.
 

DTM will continue to support IBP in its endeavour to inform and engage the public on budget processes, which are key in the financial and economic management of counties.
 

For more information please visit the IBP website
 

View more pictures from the event below. Please note these images are for non-commercial use only.